California

Now, on a completely different note...




I recently had my good friend Stefani ask me about recommendations for things to do in S. California. I've been asked several times before so I thought I could compile a list of 'Can't miss,' 'Top Ten' or perhaps simply, 'Janine's favourites'....

[Thanks to Ken Basin, Shane Reider, Eric Golding and Brigid Anderson for the ideas and inspiration]



First, a note of precaution for first time tourists to California. S. California is a driving state. Public transport sucks and you will find that not having a car will put you at a definite disadvantage unless you plan to stay in one walking area for your trip. The main thing everyone encouraged was HAVE A CAR, with GPS and keep plenty of change on hand for pesky meters
[that you will surely encounter, although not in a gold bikini]



Another major thing to remember is traffic. Don't go anywhere near the highways on weekdays between the hours of 7 and 9am or 5 to 8pm. Especially in LA. This may sound strange but with a little planning, you can avoid hours [literally] sitting in traffic. Just plan to stick to surface streets, wait or arrive a bit early. Weekends are a toss up.

You can check traffic reports online:
http://www.traffic.com/Los-Angeles-Traffic/Los-Angeles-Traffic-Reports.html

http://www.sigalert.com/Map.asp?Region=Greater+Los+Angeles#lat=34.11206&lon=-118.37072&z=2

Just... avoid this:



Now, On to the good stuff. In no particular order...:


1. Griffith Observatory at Griffith Park



A breathtaking building, this site serves as a planetarium [I don't really care for planetariums but this comes with a voice actor narrator, and a WILD show. HIGHLY recommended]

Me, Shane, Brigid and Emy in 2009:


One of the best things about Griffith Park is the view. From one side you can see all of LA [and on a clear day maybe to the ocean] and to the other sides you can see the Hollywood sign [for that elusive photo] and rolling green hills [probably the only place in LA you can do so].




And if you are into a hike... this is a great place to take one. There is also horseback riding available as well as restaurants and cafes along your way.



Free Admission [Show is $7]

Weekdays (Wednesday-Friday): Open 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.

Weekends (Saturday-Sunday): Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Mondays and Tuesdays: Closed

Free Telescope use available at night, Map available at: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/vshuttle.html

"Browse the wonders of science within the 1935 building, which reopened in 2006 after a dramatic addition, mostly underground, that added dozens of exhibits and a cafe. Though shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium cost $3-$7 a person, most of the building is free. Outside again, savor one of the city's best views. Check out the bust of James Dean. (His 1955 movie "Rebel Without a Cause" includes scenes here.) Then head back down the hill to the Trails Cafe and its outdoor picnic tables, avocado sandwiches, vegan chili and homemade baked goods."

I suggest going in the afternoon in order to catch the sunset from up there.


2. In & Out





Not to be confused with the terrible Kevin Kline movie, this place is a must to get the true California experience... you will probably see one while driving around or you can check here: http://www.in-n-out.com/locations.asp



And because I love you, here is the guide to the secret menu:
http://www.badmouth.net/in-n-outs-secret-menu/




Get some animal style fries for me.

And just for Stef: Get a Wish Burger [Veggies on Bread] or Grilled Cheese and then animal style fries [refers to the famous thous island onion sauce, no actual animals involved!] and a shake [omg vanilla is my favourite!]

3. LIVE SHOWS

Some of my best memories are of live shows. The people watching alone can be fun!

You can find lists here: http://www.ohmyrockness.com/index.cfm
Or classical here: http://www.scfta.org/home/default.aspx
As kids, we spent one Sunday a month at the latter watching the Philharmonic. Amazing musicians.

*SEE STEEL PANTHER INFO BELOW*

The bigger the name, the earlier to book and arrive. Parking is always a pain at shows.


4. Pacific Coast Highway [PCH]
[Also known as Highway 1. Shane recommends listening to The Beach Boys]





The first thing I did when I got my license? Got Em and Jamal in the car and started driving down PCH. With the beach always to your side, the view is breathtaking and makes for an excellent beach picnic finder. The farther North you go the more the scenery changes. It may add 30 minutes to your journey, but its worth it. Freeways are lame anyways :)




5. Sports Game

I'm not even that big a sports fan but these games are super fun.

Football:
USC:http://www.gotickets.com/sports/college_football/pac_10/southern_cal_trojans.php
CAL: http://www.calbears.com/tickets/cal-tickets.html

Baseball:

Dodgers: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/ticketing/singlegame.jsp?c_id=la
Angels: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/ticketing/singlegame.jsp?c_id=ana



Basketball:

Clippers: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/pack_searchtix.htmI?l=EN&CNTX=7fb757366cc6baab812d999789b7203e
Lakers: http://www.stubhub.com/los-angeles-lakers-tickets/



Soccer:

Galaxy: http://www.galaxytickets.com/tickets.php?EID=2678

Hockey:

Mighty Ducks: http://tickets.anaheimducks.com/PromoPacks.aspx
LA Kings: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2C0044FC9F0D1373?artistid=805961&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=9&brand=lakings&CAMEFROM=nhlkings_breakingnews

If you are interested in looking up more teams there is a complete list here:
http://www.sodahead.com/fun/california-sports-teams-what-are-your-favorites-from-your-state/question-993963/?link=ibaf&imgurl=http://www.sports-teams.us/la-lakers/la-lakers0.jpg&q=california%2Bsports

6. See a Live Show Recording


This can apply to so many shows [ie; Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Jay Leno...].

I recommend Conan. It runs on a lottery so even if you are looking into it late in the game, you still can have a chance to go.

http://teamcoco.com/tickets


7. Go to the Beach, but not for swimming.

For Beaches, Malibu is going to be the best.


For Surfing, I recommend Surf City [My Hometown of Huntington Beach]

The US Open is held there every year. 2k11 is at the end of July.
http://www.usopenofsurfing.com/



8. Explore!

This section is dedicated to the quintessential California things that really are worth a look. Bring your camera and be prepared for cheesy.

-Hollywood



The Hollywood walk is full of the stars by actors and will lead you to Grauman's Chinese Theatre.



At Grauman's you can see a movie, maybe catch a premier, or simply see the famous handprints from stars.




R2D2 is there... enough said.



The pizza on the corner near there is amazing.

-Beverly Hills



Simply for the fanciness factor, or if you want to see crazy rich old ladies pushing chihuahuas around in strollers [yes, i have seen this before...]

Get lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel:




And although you may not be able to shop there, Rodeo Drive is fairly famous.


- Santa Monica and Venice Beach

The pier itself is full of cheesy fair rides and games and the area is just a nice place to hang out.



One great thing about Santa Monica is that it is mostly closed off from traffic so you can walk around and see street acts while shopping, eating and exploring.



Right next door is Venice Beach:


It is probably best know for the wild street acts and protesters. Be careful about taking pictures. Sometimes they ask for money.



-Silverlake and Los Feliz

Just East of Hollywood and Griffith Observatory, this is one of the only places I would recommend sticking around all day for. It has a definite hipster streak and the shopping is as good as the nightlife.

Fred 62
http://www.fred62.com/photos.html

Open 365 days a year, I love this diner. The street it is on has great vintage shopping too. There is a fun bookshop next door. Go here.



The Dresden
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dresden-room-restaurant-los-angeles
Same street as Fred 62 for easy navigation.




Remember the movie Swingers? Yea... thats this place. Go have a cocktail or 15. Piano player duo play tunes on request most nights.




-Los Angeles

Universal City Walk

Shopping mecca. Every possible movie playing, wild decor, concert and endless restaurants. Don't get pulled in and stay for an entire day [although you could!].





Metal Skool / Steel Panther
Want a guaranteed awesome night out in LA?

Go see a Steel Panther show.


Hair Metal with hilarious lyrics - its kinda like a stand-up/rock show.
But seriously, they are a Glam Metal Band that will keep you entertained.

Shows: http://www.steelpantherrocks.com/shows.aspx


9. Nightlife

I love Long Beach for cheap hipster nightlife. 2nd street could keep you entertained all night.
Downtown is a street with restaurants and bars lining either side:





Best recommendations are
Dinner at Le Creperie:


Get a bottle of wine. Get the 'Au Bon Curry''French Riviera' and 'Romeo and Juliet'. Live Music. Beautiful inside. Amazing crepes. Relax.

Dessert [maybe to go since you already had it at the creperie] at Frosted Cupcakes down the street.
The Red Velvet ones should be illegal.



Shane recommends Alegrias for spanish cuisine and salsa dancing:
http://alegriacocinalatina.com/p.php?id=1

Bar:
Detroit Bar
http://detroitbar.com/
My friend Eric spins here on Mondays.


[More to come]

10. Del Taco



Why else would it be open 24 hours than to provide late night snacks?
They are everywhere. Only eat it late at night.
I recommend the mex pizza, quesadilla, soft chx taco and fries.




Now that I am sufficiently hungry, I will leave you with this massive amount of info to sort thu.

If you have the time, 3 fantastic day trip ideas:

1. Wine Country
For a different side of California, rolling hills and delicious wine. Drive and buy or get a DD and go from vineyard to vineyard. Relax, eat.. savor


Knotts Berry Farm

Ever seen one of these in an IHOP?


Well, its from the first amusement park, Knotts. Snoopy and friends are the theme. Cheap fun and something you can only do in California [Unlike Disney, 6 Flags or Universal Studios]




6 Flags Magic Mountain
http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/index.aspx
If you love Roller Coasters, this is for you.



Be sure to do Goliath. I have never been more scared in my life. Maybe.


Slab City

Go see the desert. Go camping. Go see crazy GREAT art. You might remember it from Into The Wild with Chris McCandless:



Lots of people camp out there...





Anyways... Super jealous I won't be there but I hope this helps. :)


In other news: My mom will be here in 9 days!!!